A group of startups and civic leaders from Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis will represent Tennessee at South by Southwest (SXSW), according to a Mar. 10 announcement. The delegation will present a range of innovations under the banner of the Tennessee House, including advancements in consumer safety and quantum computing.
The event is significant for Tennessee’s startup ecosystem as it aims to raise the state’s national profile beyond traditional tech hubs. Organizers say that the Tennessee House will serve as a central meeting place for innovators from across the state during SXSW, highlighting technology and business developments in major cities such as Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.
One notable participant is Spikey, founded by Nashville teenager Abigail Goddard. She created adhesive strips that can detect date rape drugs in beverages—a product addressing a widespread safety concern. Goddard previously won the audience choice award at last year’s 3686 pitch competition for her invention.
Orion Therapeutics from Knoxville will also attend SXSW. The company focuses on RNA-based therapies and vaccines with an emphasis on targeted drug delivery—an area that has seen increased attention since the rollout of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
Programming inside the Tennessee House will give each city dedicated time to showcase its economic strengths. Chattanooga’s session includes Mayor Tim Kelly and founders from Shappi and Branch Technology discussing topics like smart mobility and quantum computing. Nashville’s programming features a startup pitch session moderated by Sam Davidson with companies such as Daily Crunch, Potluck, Rebel Audio, Spikey, and Whisper Aero participating. Vanderbilt University will lead sessions on research commercialization.
Knoxville’s focus will be on nuclear energy innovation due to its Oak Ridge legacy, while Memphis highlights Ford’s BlueOval City electric vehicle initiative along with local university-led sessions. The two-day event concludes with showcases from emerging companies across East Tennessee.
Registration for the Tennessee House at SXSW is currently open.
